From mopping up the kids’ spilled drinks to dealing with all that pet hair, cleaning is a neverending part of life. But the good news is that wet and dry vacuum cleaners are one of the best ways to tackle life’s little accidents quickly, and we’ve put Australia’s favourite models in one spot for you!
What is a wet and dry vacuum?
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner not only sucks up dry debris but liquid spills and messes too. A game-changer for cleaning in busy households, they typically feature two separate collection chambers: one for dry particles and another for wet spills. Some even mop using a separate clean water tank for more hygienic cleaning.
Does a wet-dry vacuum mop floors?
While all wet-dry vacuums suck up liquid, not all have a water tank for ‘cleaning’. If you want a vacuum that mops as well as vacuums, look for a model with a built-in water tank, like the Tineco iFloor 5 Series or Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Complete.
What are the benefits of a wet-dry vacuum?
- Clean-ups are quick
- Efficiency and convenience
- They’re useful all around the house
- Some models work outside as well as inside
- For DIYers, they’re great for all manner of mess
- They eliminate the need for multiple cleaning tools
- Mopping is more hygienic because is uses clean water
How to choose a wet and dry vacuum
A little forethought helps ensure you get your purchase right the first time, so to help you out, here’s what to consider before you buy:
- Power – Just like hairdryers, vacuums vary a lot in their power. Take into account how you’ll use your vacuum and what for. If you are tackling heavy-duty cleaning, go for maximum power always!
- Attachments – Do you want to be able to clean crevices? How about high items like curtain rods? The right attachments make cleaning easier, so always check what types of brushes and accessories the vacuum cleaner comes with.
- Weight and size – While more heavy-duty vacuums tend to be heavier, this isn’t always convenient for household use. Think about how much weight you want to push around the house – and whether you have to carry it upstairs!
- How big is the water tank? The larger the tank, the longer you can clean it without stopping to empty it.
- Allergy-friendly filters – HEPA filters are excellent for trapping allergens in vacuum cleaners.
- The length of the cord – Save yourself constant stop-starting by buying a vacuum with a cord long enough to get around several rooms
- Rechargeable options – If you’d rather avoid cords altogether, go for a rechargeable wet and dry vacuum that doesn’t need to be plugged in
What’s in this article
- What is a wet and dry vacuum?
- Does a wet-dry vacuum mop floors?
- What are the benefits of a wet-dry vacuum?
- How to choose a wet and dry vacuum
- Australia’s Best Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaners For 2024
- Editor’s Choice: #1 Best Overall Wet And Dry Vacuum Cleaner For Families
- Tinceo iFloor 5 Series Wet & Dry Vacuum, $599
- Tineco Floor ONE Stretch S6 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $899
- Roborock Flexi Lite Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $599
- Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Complete, from $1549
- Bissell CrossWave Max Turbo 3642F, $649
- Vax Wet N Dry Barrel Vacuum VX40, $119
- Bosch Universal Vac 15 Home and Garden Vacuum, $155
- Shark Hydrovac Pro Cordless Vacuum, $399
- MyGenie XSonic Wi-fi Pro Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, $289.95
- Kärcher WD3 S Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $199
- MyGenie Cordless Vacuum Cleaner & Mop H20 PRO, $399
- Black+Decker Wet Dry Dustbuster, $69
- Ozito 1250W 12L Stainless Wet And Dry Vacuum VWD-1212, $49.98
- FAQs
Australia’s Best Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaners For 2024
Ready to find the ultimate tool for cleaning your home? Dive into our shortlist of the most-loved vacuums in Australia for wet and dry cleaning.
How did we choose? We personally tested select products and scoured reviews to help you find the right product faster. Please note that while we do our best to ensure accurate prices in our articles, sometimes retailers change them.
Editor’s Choice: #1 Best Overall Wet And Dry Vacuum Cleaner For Families
Tinceo iFloor 5 Series Wet & Dry Vacuum, $599
Tested and reviewed by Katie, Editor of Making HOME
I’m pretty old-school in my cleaning habits, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this all-in-one vac and mop from Tineco. But after one use, I can say that I get the hype! This smart vac not only sucks up grit and grime but mops your floors as it does it, which means no more reaching for buckets and mops every time the kids spill their brekky (and lunch … and dinner).
I used the iFloor 5 Series on my laminate floorboards and porcelain tiles in the kitchen, laundry, dining, living and entry zones. It collected an unfathomable amount of dirt off my floors, and left the floor so clean, my shoes actually squeaked!
The first charge took less than an hour when brand-new, but I expect the next charge will take up to four hours. It’s a good idea to charge it as soon as you finish using it so that it’s ready to go the next time boots bring in half the skate park.
Reliable cleaning aside, what I love most about the Tineco iFloor 5 Series is that it has a self-cleaning function. All you have to do is pop it on the included floor tray, plug it in, press the self-cleaning button – and away it goes! Of course, you still have to manually remove the brush to give it a good rinse, but it’s a simple process.
Pros:
- Minimal assembly, just attach the handle and you’re set!
- Very easy to operate with a single start button
- No annoying cords to deal with while cleaning
- The powerful suction easily sucks up food scraps, dirt and more
- MAX mode uses extra suction and sprays more water for a deeper clean
- Removal of clean and dirty water tanks is simple
- The unit has a self-cleaning function that takes the fuss and time out of maintenance
- The brush head gets right up against the edge of walls and skirting boards
Cons:
- To clean multiple rooms, you’ll need to refill/empty your water tanks multiple times
- It’s quite heavy and taking it upstairs would be an effort (luckily I don’t have stairs!)
- I noticed a few drops of water on the floor after, likely due to pushing and pulling
- A full battery lasts about 35 minutes, so for large houses, you might not get through a full clean
- According to the manual, you should always use Tineco Cleaning Solution, which is quite expensive
Improvements on the previous model:
- This model includes one-side edge cleaning
- There is an extra 10 minutes running time on the 3 Series
- Up to 30% larger dirty and clean water tanks than the previous model
Where to buy it
- Amazon, Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi
Tineco Floor ONE Stretch S6 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $899
Tested and reviewed by Anita, Editor of Mouths of Mums
Having lusted after a wet and dry vacuum cleaner for the longest time, and hearing the hype about Tineco, I was thrilled to have the chance to try one out. The thought of not having to vacuum before mopping is what really sold me on the wet vac concept, but I was sceptical that it could do just as good a job as separately vacuuming and mopping.
The new Tineco FLOOR ONE Stretch S6 reclines while still mopping and vacuuming, so you can get under the couch and beds. I tried it out on my vinyl plank floors in the kitchen, lounge and hallway and the tiled areas in my bathrooms. I have to say the amount of grime and debris it gathered left me embarrassed! It really does work.
See it in action!
Head over to Facebook to see the Tineco One Stretch in action!
I did find that I had to go slowly with this wet-dry vac. Because it’s self-propelled, there’s the temptation to whip around the floors quickly, but that won’t get off all of the spots and spills. Having said that, going over my floors slowly with the Tineco was still faster than separately vacuuming and mopping.
I found I could get my modest-sized kitchen, lounge and hallway done on one charge, and I needed to empty the chamber twice. I absolutely love the self-cleaning feature, which gets the system clean and dry in just a few minutes.
Pros:
- It’s really easy to use. I’m technologically challenged and I had the system put together and working in minutes.
- The lay-flat design, so you can get under couches and beds.
- Intelligent iLoop Technology, which adjusts the clean and dirty water and the battery power constantly so it’s cleaning at an optimum level, but not using up too much battery so you get up to 40 minutes of run time.
- Self-cleaning – so handy to be able to press a button and let it do its thing! Also, it uses hot air to make sure the unit is nice and dry.
- The docking station stores and charges so it’s pretty compact.
- Having a dog with long hair I was worried it would get stuck in the roller, but the self-cleaning does a great job.
Cons:
- Even though the brush rollers are supposed to glide closely to baseboards, I found it didn’t get right next to them, leaving a clear line.
- Having to move slowly over tougher messes to ensure a good clean.
- The price might put some off, however, it’s pretty competitive and is often on sale.
Improvements on previous model:
- 30% larger clean water tank.
- Upgraded pouch battery with 40-minute runtime even after multiple uses.
- Lay-flat design.
Where to buy it
Roborock Flexi Lite Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $599
Tested and reviewed by Elaine from Making HOME
With two small children and a cat, my new home is constantly littered with crumbs, spills and cat hair – and the light-coloured floors show everything! But with the Roborock Flexi Lite Wet and Dry Vacuum in my life, I actually enjoy cleaning my floors!
It’s compact, sleek and easy to set up: a simple click on the handle is all it takes to charge it up on its dock. A built-in speaker tells you what it’s doing and reminds you when to empty the dirty water tank. Speaking of tanks, the clean water tank is cleverly designed to be filled horizontally, meaning there is no awkward tilting to try filling it if you’ve got a shallow sink.
A big plus with this vacuum is how little elbow grease is needed to move it around. Also, it cleans right up against edges and the flat mode lets you get under low cabinets and couches.
I tested it with a combination of egg shells, spilt tea and crumbs, and I also used it daily for quick cleans around the house. I’m impressed! It’s light, effortlessly sucks everything up and is quiet too – something the cat appreciates a lot.
When it comes to cleaning, I love that there’s a little handle for pulling out the dirty water tank and carrying it to the laundry sink, meaning less risk of dropping the tank on your newly mopped floors.
And when it comes to cleaning the vac, just return it to its dock and it cleans AND dries the brush all by itself. Not lifting a further finger is an absolute dream!
Pros
- Self-cleaning AND drying
- Looks great, you don’t have to hide it away
- Voice commands that you can turn on and off
- Cleans right up against skirting boards and edges
- Flat mode for getting under tight spaces with ease
- Assisted movement which means less elbow grease
- Just click on the handle, charge, fill the water and you’re ready to go
Cons
- The brush doesn’t have bristles so stains need a few goes over to get rid of fully
- The battery doesn’t last that long so the vac is best for people who like quick cleaning
- It left some streaks but I do think this is because I was sneaky and added a dash of my own floor cleaner
- The auto clean and dry function needs a certain amount of charge, so if after cleaning you return it to the dock with not enough charge you DO have to remember to come back later to activate the cleaning mode.
Where to buy it:
Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Complete, from $1549
Equipped with a Submarine Wet Roller Head, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Complete uses only CLEAN water to mop hard floors from start to finish. It works by extracting liquids and debris from the motorised wet roller at every single turn, meaning no dirty water is used in the clean-up process. Along with wet-cleaning capabilities, you also get a Digital Motorbar Cleaning Head for carpets, a Fluffy Optic Cleaning head for highlighting unseen dust and even a hair screw tool for pets. The Complete is the all-rounder your home will love you for.
Pros:
- Vacuum power is effective on pet hair
- Easy to unload dry debris straight into the bin
- The charge station holds all accessories neatly (no more lost attachments!)
Cons:
- Some customers found it to be quite heavy to use
- Cleaning the machine after mopping can be time-consuming
- A few people mention minor water leaks when you turn corners
Where to buy it:
Bissell CrossWave Max Turbo 3642F, $649
Vacuum and mop at the same time – without being plugged in! The bestselling Bissell CrossWave Max Turbo comes with a 36C lithium-ion battery and offers 30 minutes of cordless cleaning and washing. Turbo mode takes on heavy-duty mess like a pro and its self-cleaning function means much less fuss for you. Part of Bissell’s Asthma Allergen Choice Range, it boasts Anti-Streaking Technology and a FreshStart Odour Management System.
Pros:
- Adjusts to different floor types
- Mops and vacuums at the same time
- Intuitive operation that’s quick and easy to use
Cons:
- Some customers find it very heavy
- Cleaning head doesn’t reach to the very edges
Improvements on other models
- Cordless rechargeable design (unlike the Crosswave HF2), larger water tanks than the HF2 and HF3 storage tank, comes with a tangle-free brush roll.
Where to buy it
Vax Wet N Dry Barrel Vacuum VX40, $119
The Vax Wet N Dry Barrel Vacuum isn’t just your new best friend in the house – but also outside! Equipped with a blower function and tough enough to handle heavy-duty cleaning, it’s a brilliant option for families needing a cleaning solution for garages, sheds and workshops. It comes with a three-piece wand, floor brush and crevice tool. Just keep in mind that this is a bagged vacuum, so you will have to purchase more.
Pros:
- Fantastic for garden maintenance
- The long cord is handy for outdoor work
- Blower function helps dislodge debris you can’t reach
Cons:
- While it sucks up water, it doesn’t mop unlike other models
- Some customers note that the required bags aren’t widely available
Where to buy it
Bosch Universal Vac 15 Home and Garden Vacuum, $155
Universal by name, universal by nature. The Bosch Universal Vac 15 is a favourite for families in need of a versatile vacuum. Aside from its strong vacuuming power that handles wet and dry mess without having to change a filter, it also has a handy blower function. Better yet, it connects to select Bosch Green DIY power tools for instant extraction of dust, particles and building debris.
Pros:
- Outstanding suction
- Great value for money
- The handle makes it easy to move around outside
Cons:
- Only comes with one dust bag
- Cable management is limited
- No varying power settings
Where to buy it
Shark Hydrovac Pro Cordless Vacuum, $399
This popular three-in-one cleaning system is purpose-built for handling life’s little messes. Compact and lightweight, it vacuums, mops and cleans all at the same time, making it perfect for busy households. Features include an antimicrobial brush that limits bacteria-causing odours, a filtration system that separates solid and liquid debris and a storage dock for easy charging. This one gets the thumbs up for any hard-sealed floors and area rugs.
Pros:
- It cleans itself!
- Neutralises odours
- Lightweight and easy to manage
Cons:
- The cleaning brush doesn’t get super close to the walls
Where to buy it
MyGenie XSonic Wi-fi Pro Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, $289.95
From MyGenie, this clever robot vacuum is the answer to hands-free (and fuss-free) cleaning all controlled through an app on your phone. It features a 350ml water tank for mopping, a brushless motor, built-in sensors and a running time of up to 120 minutes. Perhaps best of all, it comes with “back to base” technology that ensures you never run out of charge.
Pros
- Quiet operation!
- Picks up pet hair well
- Gets to hard-to-reach spots like underneath beds
Cons:
- If there’s a lot of hair on floors, it can get tangled
- Reviews indicate that it performs better as a vacuum than a mop
- Some customers mention that the instruction booklet is limited
Where to buy it
Kärcher WD3 S Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner, $199
Made in Europe to high standards, this Kärcher wet-dry vac combines energy efficiency with serious vacuum power. It comes with everything you need to take on cleaning tasks inside and out. There’s a floor and crevice nozzle, a 19L fleece filter bag for dry vacuuming and a cartridge filter for wet and dry mess. There’s also a blower function for keeping your footpaths pristine. You also get a blower function, a 4M cable and a 2M suction hose.
Pros:
- Handy for cleaning up puppy mess!
- Great for sucking up construction debris like plaster and dust
- The blower function is great for clearing hard-to-reach nooks
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention it is prone to tipping
- Cable management can be a little messy
Where to buy it:
MyGenie Cordless Vacuum Cleaner & Mop H20 PRO, $399
From hard floors to carpets, the MyGenie Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and Mop is a lightweight cleaning solution for household spills. Able to simultaneously vacuum and mop at once, it uses a cyclonic filtration system that captures even the teeniest particles of dirt and debris for a thorough clean. A removable hand vacuum takes care of small mess fast and the crevice tool helps get into tight spots.
Pros:
- Includes 2-in-1 crevice tool
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
- Reviewers praise it for lifting animal hair effectively
Cons:
- Can be hard to find replacement filters
- Some reviews mention mopping isn’t as effective as the vacuum function
Where to buy it
Black+Decker Wet Dry Dustbuster, $69
Sometimes you need to act fast when a spill happens – and that’s where handheld vacuums are a godsend. From Black+Decker, this smart Dustbuster is one of the best handheld wet and dry vacuum cleaners in Australia for how easily it handles life’s mess. It boasts a wide mouth for effective cleaning and a bagless and removable dirt bowl for fuss-free use. Super handy for the car!
Pros:
- Low price
- Convenient size for the car and kitchen
- Handy for parents with messy toddlers
Cons:
- Limited suction power (doesn’t compare to regular Dustbuster)
- No crevice attachment makes it hard to get between car seats
Where to buy it
Ozito 1250W 12L Stainless Wet And Dry Vacuum VWD-1212, $49.98
Whether you need to fix a clogged sink or clean up spilled cereal, the Ozito is up for the task. It comes with a dust bag, a 12-litre stainless steel tank and a 1.5M hose and even features a blower port for keeping your backyard ship-shape. There’s an accessories mount at the back and a large handle for easy carrying.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Handles construction messes easily
- Compact and easy enough to store in a car boot
Cons:
- The wand comes apart quite easily
- Can be quite noisy for some people
- Some reviewers say the cord is a little too short
Where to buy it
FAQs
The main disadvantage of wet and dry vacuum cleaners is that they’re often bigger, heavier and more expensive than regular models.
Yes, wet and dry vacuum cleaners are specifically designed to suck up liquids, including water, mud and the kids’ spilled drinks!
Most wet and dry vacuum cleaners are very efficient at unclogging drains provided the blockage isn’t too deep. And because they are designed to handle wet debris, there’s no risk to the machine.
Top image: Tineco iFloor3 Vacuum Cleaner
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